Northern Ireland poultry business Moy Park is taking responsibility for the leadership and management of all of its Brazilian owner’s operations in Europe, as part of a major reorganisation of the Marfrig Group.

The new organisation will bring together the European business units of Keystone Europe, Seara and Marfrig under the direction of Moy Park, adding about £500m of business to its existing £1bn turnover.

Moy Park, which was acquired by Marfrig in 2008, is the UK’s second-largest poultry processor. Located in 13 sites across three countries in Europe, it employs almost 10,000 staff producing 1,500 products, including fresh and coated poultry, ready-to-eat meals, light bites and desserts.

Keystone Foods was acquired by Marfrig in 2011 and serves the quick-service restaurant, food service and retail markets throughout Europe with a wide variety of further processed beef and chicken products. McDonald’s is a major customer. It has seven processing facilities and is currently headquartered in Le Pecq, France.

Seara is Marfrig’s consumer brand for frozen and ready-to-cook products.

“We believe that by bringing together the business units and functions currently operating across Europe we can make better use of the respective strengths of each to better meet our customers’ expectations,” said Nigel Dunlop, who has been appointed as Moy Park Europe chief executive.

It will also enable Moy Park to open up opportunities for its customers to access the wide range of Marfrig products currently being sold in other international markets.

The businesses will all retain their existing identities, said a spokeswoman, but the reorganisation will make it easier for each part of the business to sell products from other parts to their existing customer bases.

Moy Park’s headquarters in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, will become responsible for the new, combined European business, providing central support, including finance, information systems and procurement.

After 10 years at the helm of Enterprise Ireland, the agency’s chief executive Frank Ryan is to retire in November, sparking the hunt for a new CEO.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Frank for his unrivalled leadership, commitment and service to Enterprise Ireland throughout the past 10 years,” the agency’s chairman Hugh Cooney said.

“In that time, Frank has overseen a massive transformation of the agency, whose client base now accounts for the employment of more than 300,000 people in every town and village in Ireland.”

Enterprise Ireland said this morning that its client companies’ export sales in 2012 broke the €16bn mark for the first time, with the greatest wins coming from sectors such as software, engineering, medical devices, and internationally traded services.

Ryan said client companies achieved €16.2bn in exports in 2012, with such companies continuing to broaden their export footprint and increase their sales. Exports were up €1bn from €15.2bn in sales achieved in 2011.

“Frank has fundamentally repositioned the agency both at home and internationally, which has helped Irish exporters benefit from a sustained period of substantial export gains,” Cooney said.

Prior to joining Enterprise Ireland in 2003, Ryan had a distinguished career with IDA Ireland, where he ran the agency’s electronics division and led the team that attracted Intel to Ireland in 1989.

Wolfertschwenden, 11^th April 2013 – At the European Seafood Exposition, which takes place in Brussels from 23 to 25 April 2013, the packaging specialist MULTIVAC is showing machine models, which make it easy for speciality businesses to automatically pack both fresh and frozen fish and seafood as well as ready-to-eat fish meals. High-pressure processing of food (HPP) will also be shown.

The trend towards more healthy eating is promoting the demand worldwide for fish, fish meals and seafood. Consumers are increasingly demanding fresh and high-quality products. The interest in products from sustainable fishing is also increasing. “The demands of the fish industry on its processing and packaging procedures have continued to grow in recent years: greater cost and energy efficiency is demanded. At the same time manufacturers want to offer fresh products in their natural state”, says Valeska Haux, Marketing Manager at MULTIVAC.

The German packaging machine manufacturer is presenting at European Seafood 2013 a range of different exhibits, which simplify the automated processing of fresh, frozen or (pre) cooked fish and seafood. MULTIVAC is also showing sustainable concepts and solutions for packaging products in as natural a state as possible.

Entry into automatic packing in trays

With the T 300 MULTIVAC will be showing a traysealer model, which enables smaller speciality businesses and service companies to make the entry into the automatic packing of fish meals and seafood in trays. Its lifting units are electrically driven, which optimises the energy efficiency of the machine.

With the R 175 CD MULTIVAC will be showing an economical thermoforming packaging machine, which is designed for small to medium-sized batches. The machine model is suitable for the production of Darfresh vacuum skin packs – an innovative application from MULTIVAC, by which manufacturers and packers can give their high value fish products the maximum shelf life. “With this process we use special skin films, which enclose the fish, portions of fish or seafood without tension like a second skin, and which seal to the full surface of the lower web. Shape and structure of the sensitive products are maintained, and a first-class pack presentation is also ensured at the point of sale”, explains Valeska Haux.

Packing long products

With the C 370 chamber machine MULTIVAC will be showing a cost-effective solution for packing particularly long fish. The chamber width of 900 millimetres on the C 370 is twice as large as that of the other chamber machines in the C 3xx series. The sealing bars are arranged on the right and left.

Extending shelf life without preservatives
In addition to this, MULTIVAC will also be presenting its range of solutions for the high-pressure processing of food, which include machines, patented technologies and aHPPTestCenter. “High-pressure processing is the technology of choice for packing fish and seafood with as few chemical preservatives as possible: It deactivates microorganisms, such as salmonella or listeria, without the original nutritional value or the taste of the product being lost”, says Valeska Haux.

MULTIVAC at the European Seafood Exposition 2013 in Brussels (Hall 4, Stand 6051)

At Seafood Processing 2013 Ishida Europe will showcase a range of seafood packing solutions that help manufacturers achieve maximum efficiencies, excellent quality and high throughput. As well as the latest model from its multihead weigher range, the company will also demonstrate recent advances in tray sealers, checkweighers and X-ray inspection systems.

The recently-launched Ishida QX-775-Flex tray sealer combines a compact design with high speeds for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) trays of up to 15 cycles per minute, along with maximum hygiene and high quality pack and product presentation. The system is also compatible with a variety of packaging applications including standard MAP, skinpack and shrink film, making it ideal for all types of fish and seafood products. The tray sealer offers a high return on floor space through its compact design and high output capability, and can also be easily integrated to form part of a complete packing line.

The Ishida DACS-G checkweigher is capable of exceptional speeds while maintaining high accuracy. At the touch of a button, the checkweigher can switch between two weighing ranges, allowing fish processors to handle more products on one machine. A unique Dislocating Force Limiter automatically disconnects the weigh sensor from the weigh conveyor should sudden excessive force be applied (for example, during clean down), protecting the DACS-G against rough handling.

Ishida’s IX-GA-4075 X-ray inspection system can detect a variety of contaminants including metal, glass, bones, shells, stones, hard rubber and plastic. The machine’s unique self-learning Genetic Algorithm (GA) technology offers maximum detection sensitivity and reliability, with the most sophisticated models able to spot impurities down to 0.3mm in size. This means IX-GA models can also be used for other quality control operations such as product grading by length, presence of clips, voids in product, product deformation, missing or damaged pieces, and fill-level control.

Ishida Europe will be at stand 4-6161 in hall 4.

The UK’s only exhibition dedicated to the food processing and packaging industry, ExCeL London, 17 – 20 March 2013 

Portion control and sustainability might be packaging industry’s key focus points for the future, judging by the innovative pack solutions submitted in a brand new student design competition organised by theUK’s only processing and packaging event dedicated to the food sector, Pro2Pac.

Premium pasta packaging with serving sizes built into the lid, an easily re-sealable tube-shaped rice pack offering portion control benefits and a container for snack food made entirely from natural materials were just some of the innovative solutions entered into the packaging prize.

Corners of the Globe, a pyramid-shaped spice container designed by Leeds Met student Amy Prendergast, was declared overall winner, scoring highly across all assessed criteria, including recyclability, cost, consumer insight, convenience, display and innovation.

Judges recognised the design as a clear winner from concept to branding, with the pyramid shape linking the product with the Ancient Egyptian origins of the spice trade, as well as representing a creative alternative to traditional spice containers and offering on-shelf cut-through. As winner, Amy’s design talent will be showcased before an audience of leading professionals at Pro2Pac, which will feature a prototype of her design when it takes place from 17-20 March at ExCeL London. She also receives £500, the chance to gain valuable experience during an internship at Miller Graphics and a student membership to theInstituteofPackaging Professionals(IoPP).

Other shortlisted entries included ‘Snacks in a Nutshell’, a completely compostable snack container made using a coconut shell sealed with a banana leaf; ‘Oli’s Olive Oil’, a 100% biodegradable product using olive oil waste water to make the biopolymer; and Novel-T, a sustainable solution for loose leaf tea using biodegradable paper and stainless steel.

Students from Leeds Metropolitan and Sheffield Hallam were invited to take part in the competition, which was judged by leading industry experts, including representatives from Miller Graphics, the Faraday Centre for Retail Excellence and the IoPP. The ten shortlisted designs can be viewed at the Pro2Pac design gallery on stand S2319.

“We wanted our packaging prize to give the industry a glimpse into what the future might hold, as well as inspiring up-and-coming talent to engage with the food and drink industry’s biggest issues and trends,” said Pro2Pac Event Director Chris McCuin.

“The consistently high standard of entries we received bodes well for the future of the industry and suggests the next generation of packaging professionals will play an important role in tackling key issues around sustainability and consumer convenience.”

IMHX 2013 is the number one place to see new products, meet suppliers and network with new and existing contacts. Visitors who pre-register for IMHX 2013 will receive an exclusive Priority Pass pack containing a delegate name badge, the Little Black Book of handling industry contacts, a fold-out exhibition floor plan and key details of the show’s seminars. Pre-register now for free tickets to attend IMHX by visiting www.imhx.biz.

A number of brand-new forklifts will make their début at IMHX, including the 7-series of reach trucks from Doosan(stand 19H120) and the forklift range from Manitou(20B43), now available in the UK.Yale Europe Materials Handling will be showing its ‘V’ series of electric counterbalance forklifts for the first time in the UK. Following its distribution agreement with Briggs Equipment in 2010, Yale will be exhibiting alongside Briggs on stand 20C110 and will focus on developments in ergonomics and technology, with visitors able to access information using tablet- and web-based applications.

Crown Lift Trucks(19J90) will be unveiling a number of new machines at IMHX under its ‘Ideas That Advance’ slogan. Models in the company’s new ESR 5200 series of reach trucks feature OCS (Optimised Cornering Speed) and a regenerative lowering option that helps reduce battery changes. Also on the stand and new to the UK market will be the WP3000 series of powered pallet trucks, the 80v TSP 7000 VNA turret truck and the SC 5300 series of 3-wheel electric counterbalance trucks.

Toyota Material Handling(20F70) will present its unique forklift simulator for the first time at IMHX. Thought to be the world’s first forklift simulator, the unit features three display screens to give forward, side and rear views. Operators are timed as they accomplish various tasks such as vehicle loading. The Toyota Training Academy team will guide visitors through the simulator and also provide specialist advice about the financial and safety benefits of the company’s Training+ programme. Also displayed on the Toyota stand will be a classic 1970s FG7 forklift, which the company has completely restored to its former glory. Jungheinrich UK Ltd(19L134) will be promoting its range of counterbalanced and warehouse trucks and handling solutions under the banner ‘BestInvest’. Exhibits will include a new reach truck – the ETV 318, which will be seen for the first time at IMHX – and the recently launched Auto Pallet Mover (APM), a driverless truck designed to perform routine handling tasks.

Visitors expecting to enjoy the traditional combination of dancing trucks and Guinness offered by Combilift will not be disappointed at IMHX. The company will be shining a spotlight on its new electric models, along with a brand-new product that will be under wraps until IMHX opens. The company’s stand (19J150) will also feature models from the Aisle-Master VNA articulated range, which now offer a lift height of up to 15m.  Another articulated truck supplier, Flexi Narrow Aisle(19J75) will launch its new Warehouse Systems Division, which offers comprehensive warehouse planning and design consultancy services, at the show. Of course, Flexi will also promote its range of award-winning articulated forklift and VNA trucks. Able to operate in aisles as narrow as 1.6m, these trucks can save warehouse operators at least 30 per cent of their storage costs.

Making their UK début at IMHX will be the Kinglifter truck-mounted forklifts from first-time exhibitor, Terberg DTS (UK) Ltd, which will be showing visitors details of the new trucks on stand 20C142. The Kinglifter range, which fits all popular makes of trailer and rigid bodywork available in the UK and Ireland, comprises the Kinglifter S, Kinglifter M and Kinglifter MC.Danish manufacturer, Logitrans A/S, will be showing several models from its range of handling equipment, including its new Twin Stacker, which can transport and stack two pallets at a time. Also on display on stand 20B160 will be the company’s Panther Mini powered pallet truck with AC technology, the Logiflex stacker and the Rotator truck, designed to enable the user to reach the contents of a load fully, without back strain, by turning it through up to 180º.

Motor sport fans will enjoy visiting the stands of GNB Industrial Power(19L120) and Pirtek(20C30). As well as Tensor, its new high-power, lead-acid battery for demanding applications, GBN will be displaying a Porsche GT3 Cup Car, sponsored by GNB’s parent group, Exide Technologies, and there will be a daily competition to win two hospitality tickets to a Porsche Carrera race meeting. Meanwhile Pirtek – leading supplier of hydraulic hoses, pipe fittings and couplings – will be hosting British Touring Car Independent Drivers’ Champion, Andrew Jordan, and his Honda Civic race car.

A number of exhibitors will be running competitions with great prizes. APEX Linvar(18N154) will be giving visitors a chance to win an iPad in a special competition, as well as displaying its racking solutions including pallet live and carton live storage, drive-in systems, shuttle storage, hanging garment solutions and mezzanine floors. Meanwhile visitors to the AEB stand (18P65) will have the chance to win an iPod shuffle in a business card raffle while browsing the company’s new-look ASSIST4 supply chain management and global trade software suite. ASSIST4 has evolved into a one-stop-shop for companies from SMEs to MNCs that are looking to streamline their supply chain workflows, improve regulatory compliance, maximise efficiency and cut costs.

Hoppecke Industrial Batteries(19K95) will be inviting IMHX visitors to take part in the Extra Mile challenge, a competition to underline how a battery must be looked after – much like a human heart – if it is to deliver optimum performance and length of service. The timed challenge will use a state-of-the-art Wattbike training bike, as endorsed by British Cycling and used by many Olympic athletes. The bike will measure 42 parameters 100 times a second – including the rider’s heart rate and maximum power output in Watts – with each participant receiving a free personal chart showing their performance and having their name added to a ‘Top Gear’-style leader board. Visitors will also be able to find out about Hoppecke’s bespoke and sustainable energy solutions, including the renowned Trak Air batteries and chargers.

EXDS(17Q112), the official UK distributor of the Cubiscan and Apache range of volumetric measuring and weighing equipment,willunveil two new solutions to the UK market at IMHX. The Cubiscan 125 is designed to measure and weigh irregular-shaped components, as well as boxed items, using either infrared or ultrasonic technology. The Apache Portal system, on the other hand, is designed for pallet loads and its construction allows it to be moved easily from one area to another. Using two Infrared scanners driven on linear guides, the Apache Portal has a measurement range of 2.5m x 2.5m x 2.5m. 

 SOMERSTOTALKARE, the UK’s number one supplier of heavy-duty vehicle lifting solutions, will be showing visitors the safest way to access the underside of forklift trucks for service and repair using its Forklifter System on stand 20B55. The solution, which has a four-tonne capacity, is suitable for both three- and four-wheeled trucks and is easily manoeuvrable.

Towering over the stand of Cooper Specialised Handling Ltd(20F25) will be the world’s first hybrid reach stacker. With a 45-tonne capacity, the new SMV 4531 TB5 HLT features a hybrid diesel/electric driveline, an electrified hydraulic lifting system and super capacitor-based energy storage to cut fuel consumption and emissions. Cooper SH, the UK’s sole national distributor of Konecranes Lift trucks and the Mantsinen range, will be inviting visitors to take part in a competitive driving challenge using a fully equipped simulator. The company will also showcase its new corporate identity following its acquisition of Samuk Lift Trucks, which are being marketed through a national dealer network.

Another product being launched at the show is the SICK LAC (Logistics Access Control) solution from leading supplier of industrial sensors, SICK (UK) Ltd (17P5). This clever device puts a ‘virtual lock’ on access to designated secure areas and is ideal for helping to implement anti-terrorism measures in the export of goods, particularly for air freight to the US. The SICK LAC combines non-contact laser measurement sensing with long-range RFID technology and integrated software to provide a customs-compliant access control system.

Exhibitor rm2 will be launching its new range of composite-material pallets on stand 17R127. The range includes the BLOCKPal heavy-duty pallet – which features high impact resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio and minimal creep – and the LEANPal polypropylene nestable pallet, which has low product weight and 50% nesting capability when not in use.

On the 380m²stand of automation specialist, SSI Schaefer, visitors will find two products that are brand-new to the UK market – theLogiMat and the Schaefer Auto Cruiser (SAC). The 6m-tall LogiMat is a space-saving, goods-to-man storage and picking system that is ideal for small parts storage and the system will feature in a live demo on the stand. Designed to bridge the gap between forklift transport and traditional conveyor technology, the SAC is ideal for low to average throughput. SSI Schaefer will also be showcasing its brand-new QX plastic container series, which provides excellent compatibility with automated and robotic handling systems; its Orbiter high-density storage and retrieval system; and its bolt- and clip-free R3000 adjustable shelving. Also showing its automation expertise at IMHX will be Vanderlande(19L180). The company will be demonstrating key solutions from its QUICKSTORE range of automated storage and retrieval systems – including the Microshuttle, the HDS shuttle system and various miniloads – as well as the ergonomic PICK@EASE workstation range.

One of the new solutions on the stand of storage specialist, BITO(18M102), will be sprinkler-friendly shelves. Constructed with holes just 11mm square, the shelves meet insurers’ requirement for 50 per cent of the shelf to be open to allow water from sprinklers to flow through, yet the small holes and smooth finish prevent order pickers’ fingers catching and causing injuries. BITO claims that the punched shelving is also ideal for refrigerated and ambient food storage, which requires a good air flow.

Sharing a stand for the first time at IMHX with KNAPP, its parent company, will be Dürkopp Fördertechnik(20D30), market leader in garment conveying and sortation equipment. The firm will be promoting its new pocket sorter system that enables both hanging garments and flat goods to be carried together for the first time on the same system. Already in use on mainland Europe and having won an award in France, the pocket sorter is ideal for e-commerce applications and can process 10,000 items an hour. Batch-picked goods are placed into the hanging pockets – each of which has an RFID tag – which are then conveyed to a matrix sorter so that they arrive at the packing stations in the correct sequence to collate each customer’s order.

Three new additions to the range available from European Conveyor Systems(17Q150) will be shown for the first time in the UK at IMHX 2013.  Designed by the company’s German partner, Gebhardt Fördertechnik, the new equipment includes Cheetah, a high-speed mini-load storage and retrieval machine. Designed using carbon fibre and aluminium, Cheetah offers exceptional speed, energy efficiency and positioning accuracy. Also on display will be the StoreBiter shuttle system, designed for handling a wide variety of bins and cartons in automated miniload warehouses, and Gebhardt System 600, a modular conveyor system that can be put into operation by end-users.

IMHX visitors looking to increase the efficiency of pick-and-pack and dispatch zones will find the latest advances in mail order fulfilment and protective packaging from Automated Packaging Systems(20C10). The company’s OneStep systems print postal and traceability data on the next bag and then open it for packing and sealing in a single step. For example, the AB 255 Horizontal OneStep, which will be exhibited at the show, makes it possible for a single packer to increase output ten-fold, with one operator achieving print and packing speeds of 300-360 packs per hour.

Another automated equipment supplier, Conveyor Systems Ltd(20E120),will exhibit its energy-efficient Zero Line Pressure accumulation conveyor, as well as – for the first time in the UK – its space-saving spiral elevator/lowerator with the latest design of ‘Super Grip’ slat.This new product is ideal for moving product vertically between different floor levels, whilst also providing a smooth flow and high throughput. Meanwhile, Savoye(19J80) will unveil its new, all-electric Intelis conveyor solution at IMHX, designed to be eco-friendly, flexible and silent. The Intelis range is equipped with electronic cards to decentralise conveyor control, offers an ‘eco-mode’ to reduce energy consumption and features adaptive performance to ensure the conveyors adapt to carton flow.

Interroll(20F102) will promote its range of dynamic storage solutions for pallet live and carton live buffer and order picking. The company will also be displaying its new wearless speed controller, which can control up to 100 pallets per hour, and its new PF 1000 Time Delay Safety Separator, which makes FIFO pallet flow easier by enabling pallets of different sizes and weights to be stored in the same flow channel.

Visitors to stand 18M140 will be able to experience a dynamic and lively demonstration of the science of an explosion from Pyroban, which converts forklift trucks and other mobile equipment so that they can be used safely and legally within hazardous areas. The company will also be promoting its new gas detection system for mobile industrial vehicles – Gascheka duo – which provides vehicle shut-off on detection of a flammable gas or vapour and can be added to any diesel, LPG or electric vehicle.

X2 Computing, provider of mobile computing solutions, will be showing IMHX visitors its new Carbon X220M tablet computer for retail and order fulfilment applications on stand 20B18. The company will also display its Tlantic Mobile Retail Suite, designed to automate and streamline the supply chain, and Mobile Picking, its new order fulfilment software solution which determines the order in which products are picked.

Exhibiting on stand 19L148 in the AMHSA Pavilion, VITRONIC will present its VICAM camera-based identification systems. These advanced systems allow packages to be identified quickly and accurately, carton deformities to be detected automatically and captured data to be integrated seamlessly into ERP systems. VICAM systems enable in-line capture and measurement of the surfaces and contours of packages placed in any rotational position on a conveyor at speeds of up to 3m/s. Also exhibiting as part of the AMHSA pavilion will be Joloda International(19L135), which will be promoting its automatic loading systems that can reduce loading time from 45 minutes to just 90 seconds. Two systems for palletised loads will be demonstrated on the Joloda stand – the Slipchain system, designed for short shuttle distances, and the Trailerskate system, engineered for longer distances.

Meanwhile Transdek, the award-winning lifting equipment specialist, will be demonstrating some of its range of lifting and loading solutions on stand 20D21. The company will show visitors working examples of its 20-tonne double deck lift, its 6.5-tonne V2G (vehicle to ground) system and its mezzanine floor lifts, which offer rapid fitting for safe and efficient access to mezzanine floors.

Caljan Rite Hite(19L140) will be highlighting the benefits of its Global Wheel-Lok vehicle restraint, which prevents vehicles from moving during the loading/unloading process and thereby reduces the risk of injury to employees in the loading dock area. The device works with virtually any trailer to avoid trailer creep accidents, also reducing insurance costs. The company will also be promoting its Dok-Guardian safety barrier to prevent personnel – particularly forklift drivers – from falling over the edge of vacant loading bays. The Dok-Guardian effectively stops a 4500kg forklift truck moving at speeds of up to 4mph.

Logistics integrator and software developer, Logistex(18N164), will invite IMHX visitors to experience its new warehouse systems demonstration suite, designed to give a hands-on experience of the complete supply chain process. Equipped with a web shop linked to Logistex’s comprehensive LWS Reflex warehouse management system and working RF equipment, the suite will allow visitors to place an order and follow it through the warehouse operation from receipt to replenishment, picking, packing and dispatch.

Advanced Handling, recently acquired by the Swedish Sunnex Group, will be showcasing its portfolio of standard and bespoke materials handling and lifting equipment for a range of industries including manufacturing, logistics and retail on stand 20F86. Following the acquisition, the company now also has a range of light duty trolleys, scissor tables and overhead rail systems, which it will also be promoting at the show. Wanzl UK Group (20B53), the largest single supplier of retail equipment in the UK, will return to IMHX to launch its latest materials handling and order picking solutions, including picking trolleys, roll cages and its ‘Reviva’ remanufactured equipment.

Dalmec Ltd will be unveiling its new Partner Equo manipulator on stand 18M141. This product offers practically perfect stability through a set of vertical guides combined with horizontal guides. With great manoeuvrability and no vertical drift, the Partner Equo enables precise positioning of components.

For the first time, the Schoeller Allibert stand (17Q100) at IMHX will showcase the broadest range of plastic reusable transit packaging (RTP) available from a single source, following the rebranding of LINPAC Allibert and Schoeller Arca Systems as one company. Schoeller Allibert will demonstrate how its RTP range can be used to reduce emissions, cut logistics and packaging costs and improve supply chain performance. New products on display will include Interfold, a new folding tray designed to inter-stack with the Maxinest range of nesting trays, and Minipac, a quarter-footprint wheeled and folding retail merchandising unit.

Other products available at IMHX will includethe new VERISCA high-speed reciprocating hoist and pallet lifter from Nerak UK(20B80); track-and-trace solutions from sensor specialist and RFID provider, Balluff(17Q145);the award-winning Signature armoured joint to protect construction joints in warehouse floors from Permaban(17P30); the Acuity battery-monitoring system from Curtis Instruments(20G80); the space-saving TowerMat vertical lift store and Modula Lift storage and picking system from Couzens Storage Solutions(20F92); and the brand-new Mad Grip and Mad Grip+ gloves from Polyco(17R93). Services being promoted at the exhibition will includewarehousing facilities from family-owned Onward Holdings(stand UK8 in the UKWA Pavilion); asset-backed finance solutions from Close Brothers Asset Finance(20B95); and custom-designed handling solutions from CI Logistics(19L146).

The International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) – which takes place 19-22 March at the NEC – will showcase thousands of innovative solutions for intralogistics. Registration is now open at www.imhx.biz.

Sponsored by BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, IMHX 2013 will feature over 400 exhibitors, many of which will use the show as the launch pad for new products and services. Visitors will enjoy an informative and exciting experience, with a number of feature areas as well as free conference sessions, product launches, live 

demonstrations and prize competitions. The IMHX Logistics Excellence Conference will feature a series of seminars at strategic level delivered by renowned industry experts, while the IMHX Logistics Case Study Conference will offer presentations that demonstrate best practice from a range of blue-chip companies. The exhibition will be opened by world land speed record breaker, RichardNoble OBE, in front of his latest record-attempting vehicle, the jet- and rocket-powered BLOODHOUND SSC (SuperSonic Car)– which issponsored by Linde Material Handling – in the show’s first ever Skills & Apprenticeships Zone. Richard – who is Project Director for the latest land speed record attempt with Royal Air Force Fighter Pilot, Andy Green, at the wheel – will also be updating IMHX visitors with the latest project news in a special presentation.

As well as brand-new areas – including the UKWA 3PL Zone, hosted by the United Kingdom Warehousing Association, and the International Visitors’ Lounge– many features will make a welcome return to the show. The Design 4 SafetyCompetition will be held once again, recognising the importance of product design in improving safety throughout the materials handling industry. The winners in seven award categories will be celebrated in the Design 4 Safety Zone at the show and visitors will be invited to vote for an overall ‘People’s Choice’ award. The heats of what promises to be another hotly contested RTITB Operator of the Year Competition will also take place at IMHX. Over the four days of the show, forklift operators from across the UK and Ireland will compete in a special arena, with the best then moving forward to the Grand Final in September. IMHX will once again feature the AMHSA Pavilion, hosted by the Automated Material Handling Systems Association, with a number of AMHSA member stands clustered around a hospitality and presentation area in which members will give short ‘Meet the expert’ talks on key automation topics. Finally, the exclusive VIP valet parking scheme will operate once again, allowing top executives to drive straight up to the show’s entrance, have their vehicle parked securely by a professional driver and enjoy access to the VIP Lounge with complimentary refreshments and Internet facilities.

Italian manufacturer PFM Packaging Machinery is demonstrating its two latest entry-level machines for the food industry: the Pearl servo-driven flow-wrapper and the ZC1 combined weigher-bagger. ”Both machines have been developed to meet the need for inexpensive systems that nevertheless offer a high degree of flexibility and accuracy and are simple to use,” comments PFM sales and operations director Chris Bolton.

The Pearl provides smaller or start-up operations with the advantages of multi-axis servo drive, reducing maintenance requirements and providing easy programming and changeover for different pack formats, which can be held in memory for press-button recall. Speed is up to 120 a minute.

In particular, the machine is built to food industry hygiene requirements with a cantilever construction and gently radiussed guard panels that avoid dirt traps.

The ZC1 is an integrated multihead weigher and bagging machine for mid-speed duties up to 80 bags a minute, handling dry goods such as snacks, confectionery, pet-food, granular products, biscuits and short pasta.

It brings together the PFM Zenith bagger and the PFM C1 multihead weigher, which is mounted on the bagger itself, avoiding the cost of the usual supporting gantry. In addition, drop height is kept short to provide gentle handling for delicate goods.

Weidenhammer has announced that it will be presenting a comprehensive range cardboard and plastic packaging products at Packaging Innovations

The composite cans and rigid plastic containers firm said it will also exhibit its first In-Mould Labelling (IML) plastic packaging product produced in the UK, which it calls, an “attractive” biscuit box for United Biscuits.

European sales director Thomas Strieder said: “Packaging Innovations provides a perfect opportunity for face-to-face meetings with our customers and business affiliates. Moreover, we can show potential new customers our latest packaging concepts.”

Weidenhammer will be located at stand J55.

Rigid packaging containers giant Invopak will be unveiling a brand new service offering from one of its suppliers, Emballator Packaging UK, at Packaging Innovations

Emballator Packaging UK manufactures a range of tinplate lever lid tins at its production plant in Bradford which are used for storing and transporting paints, solvents and chemicals.

A significant investment in new printing technology means Emballator is now able to offer SME customers high-quality labelling and printing options on a par with those used by multi-national operations.

Invopak sales director Scott Sandilands said: “We are delighted to be able to provide this bespoke service from Emballator to our customers. Until now smaller producers haven’t been able to use more complicated designs that are seen on tins sold by the bigger brands. The introduction of this new service has enormous potential for our clients that use lever lid tins.”

Emballator Packaging UK was established in Bradford in 1999 by Swedish parent company, Emballator Metal Group.

Managing director of the UK operation Gerard Dibb said: “Innovation is at the heart of our company’s ethos – we are constantly striving to offer our customers a superior service tailored around the needs of their business. Prohibitive print costs for below minimum and very low print quantities have meant that historically smaller manufacturers couldn’t benefit from the same quality of printing as larger companies. The introduction of our latest equipment means we can now offer digital printing on runs from as little as 100 tin sheets.”

Invopak chief executive Arjen Cooper Rolfe added: “Invopak is continually looking at ways we can improve our customers’ experience – by meeting them in person at shows like Packaging Innovations, we can speak to them directly about the issues they’re facing and adapt our business accordingly.”

Warburtons and Payne are among the well-known names who will be taking part at the Packaging Innovations’ learnShops seminars

They are due to speak at the event, which takes place on 27-28 February at Birmingham’s NEC, as part of its line-up of  around 40 free-to-attend learnShop seminars.

One of the headline presentations will be given by Payne’s Martin Dallas, who will discuss the role of packaging in making consumers lives easier.  The news comes as the firm recently commissioned a survey that found that consumers are more concerned about pack openability rather than over-packaging.

Another leading name present at the show will be Warburtons. Warburtons research and development manager Emma Thomas will share discuss the bakery category in relation to the packaging industry.

The firm stated that, traditionally, bakery is a low involvement category, and as such, packaging has been a bit of an outcast in the marketing mix.

However, as consumers become savvier about what goes into the brands and products they buy and more skilled in articulating their needs and desires, packaging is gradually turning into a protagonist and Warburtons know well how not to ignore the signs.

Elsewhere, product designers and foodservice packaging entrepreneurs Luke Booth and Chris Eves tell the story of how they set up their own packaging innovation business, P4CK – then secured contracts with some of the biggest venues in the UK and funding from millionaire Theo Paphitis.

Speaking to PN, Eves said: “P4CK are really excited about Packaging Innovations. We are looking forward to seeing some innovation and showcasing our concepts which provide a packaging point of difference.”

Other major brands and leading speakers will be speaking that include from Sunny Delight, Landa, and Arla Foods.

Advanced Labelling Systems (ALS) will be demonstrating various models from its range of labelling systems and product handling equipment at Packtech

Among the highlights at Stand A24 will be what ALS claims is the “world’s fastest labeller”, the ALS FastPaQ, which can dispense labels at speeds of 375m per minute and is designed to cope with the demands of 24/7 non-stop production.

The compact class ALS 204 label applicator will also be seen, with its modular design that allows integration into the tightest of production lines.  In addition, there will be a demonstration of a new linerless labelling module for the popular range of label applicators, that allows Catchpoint linerless labels to be applied at full production speeds.

Also on ALS’ stand will be a range of semi-automatic labellers and print and apply labelling machines.

Pactech is part of the Packaging Innovations show and runs at Birmingham’s NEC from 27 – 28 February.

Heinz is to be acquired by an investment consortium comprised of Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital. The transaction is valued at $28 billion, with the price paid representing a 20% premium to Heinz’s closing share price of $60.48 on February 13, 2013.

“The Heinz brand is one of the most respected brands in the global food industry and this historic transaction provides tremendous value to Heinz shareholders,” said Heinz chairman, president and CEO William R. Johnson. “We look forward to partnering with Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, both greatly respected investors, in what will be an exciting new chapter in the history of Heinz.”

“With Heinz stock recently at an all-time high and 30 consecutive quarters of organic topline growth, Heinz is being acquired from a position of strength. As a private enterprise, Heinz will have an opportunity to drive further growth and advance our commitment to providing consumers across the globe with great tasting, nutritious and wholesome products,” added Johnson.

“Heinz has strong, sustainable growth potential based on high quality standards, continuous innovation, excellent management and great tasting products,” said Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. “Their global success is a testament to the power of investing behind strong brand equities and the strength of their management team and processes. We are very pleased to be a part of this partnership.”

“We have great respect for the Heinz brands and the strong business that management and its employees operate around the world,” said Alex Behring, managing partner at 3G Capital. “We approached Heinz to explore how we might work together to expand the value of this storied brand. We fully recognize Heinz’s value and heritage and look forward to working together with Heinz’s employees, suppliers and customers as we invest in and support the company’s ongoing global growth efforts.”

Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital have pledged to maintain Pittsburgh as Heinz’s global headquarters, and to fulfil and continue its philanthropic support of community initiatives and related investments.

The transaction is subject to approval by Heinz shareholders, receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the third (calendar) quarter of 2013.

Around 63% of exhibitors at PACKAGING INNOVATIONS and the co-located shows are using the event to launch major new technologies, materials, design techniques, services and concepts. For the first time this year, visitors will find aisles packed with never seen before products and services.

• FFEI (stand C23) is launching RealPro Toolkit, a complete suite of Adobe® Illustrator® plug-ins for the most challenging labelling and packaging pre-press environments.
• Celebrating its 10 year anniversary Global One-Pak Limited (stand H46) is using the show to launch INFINITY, a foaming pump. On launching their new product Clive Broadbent, Director, said, “We’re looking forward to showcasing INFINITY at PACKAGING INNOVATIONS – come along join us in celebrating our 10 year anniversary!”
• The show will be the first chance to see Intelligent Packaging Solutions (stand D46) TE-cap, a new tamper evident packaging solution designed for the ice cream market.
• UPM Conveyors (stand B20) has developed a new version of its Rotary Table- Lazy Susan for £1,600.
• Easypack (stand D18) is launching the Packmate Online system – a compact, online, paper cushioning system.
• The show will be a first chance to see Aptar’s beauty + home (stand F43) latest innovation, VITA, a new one-hand dispensing system.
• Label Apeel (stand C21) will be demonstrating how to create exciting finishes and security features by combining inks and foils.
• Making its show debut is Jetbox® (stand E14) which has developed a completely new concept in fibreboard boxes.
• For those looking for ways to engage with the customers via digital media, Royston Labels (stand A38) will demonstrating augmented reality labels.
• Visitors to Roland DG (stand D4) will be able to experience the versatility of Roland DG’s LEC-printer/cutter as well as the ORIS Flex Pack // Web contract proofing solution.
• Another show first, Kairos One (stand F32) will be discussing “Eco-Design” aimed to help optimise and improve efficiency of your existing packaging solution.
• Invopak (stand F48) will be unveiling a brand new service from one of its suppliers, Emballator Packaging UK.
• Bring colour to plastic, Broadway Colours (stand J53) is showcasing its latest innovation in pearl effects, an exciting range of pastel colours, and a new skin care colour range.
• Recoup (stand E15) is unveiling ‘Recyclability by Design’, this provides designers with a better understanding of the environmental implications of their design decisions.
• Eska Graphic Board (stand J49) is presenting its latest board innovations for the POS and luxury packaging market – Eskamono eco and Eskaduo eco.
• To meet the demands of pharmaceutical customers Falconer Print and Packaging (stand A23) will feature its new Diana X 115 gluer with inline Braille.
• Grotech Production Ltd (stand J26) is showcasing a preventive puncture sealant Wheelgoo™ which it has made in collaboration with PSi Tyre Ltd.
• Xante (stand A28) has a number of new technologies to show including high speed inkjet printers for large format and labels.

In addition to new products and services, visitors to PACKAGING INNOVATIONS will be able to grab some exclusive show offers and take part in competitions.

• PrimePac Solutions Ltd (stand A29) is offering a 10% discount on all orders resulting from enquiries made at the show.
• Compact & Bale Ltd (stand B13) will give a Free Waste Audit to all visitors that register on its stand to review their waste management operations.
• Martek Industries (stand B7) is offering 10% off all label printers and applicators to all show visitors ordering within 6 weeks of the show.
• SONE Products (stand D48) is offering four lucky winners free delegate places on two of its industry leading product design and processing training courses, valued at over £1,500.
• FFEI (stand C23) will be running a competition to win an iPad Mini, pop along to find out how.
• Broadway Colours (stand J53) is running a business card raffle to win £50 worth of John Lewis Vouchers

In addition to a show packed with exhibitors, this year’s show also sees the launch of a number of packaging features and informative seminars. Including:

-          The BIG Packaging Debate, discussing “Consumers don’t buy sustainable packaging”

-          The BIG Print Debate, discussing “Everything that can become digital, will become digital – or will it?”

-          50+ learnShops at one of the five learnShops Theatres

-          The Packaging Consultancy Clinic

-          Social Media Lounge

-          Centre of Sustainability & Excellence Workshops & Clinics

-          Packaging News Coffee Lounge

-          Print Week Coffee Lounge

-          And much more

Further information on visiting and how to register for the show can be found at www.easyFairs.com/PIUK. Companies interested in exhibiting at the event can find out more about booking a stand by calling  Marc Benoit on +44 (0)20 8843 8821 or email marc.benoit@easyFairs.com.

Avery Weigh-Tronix will be showcasing a range of weighing solutions applicable to the material handling industry at this year’s IMHX show.

Visitors to the show, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC between 19-22 March, will be able to learn more about how weighing data can help improve efficiency, manage inventory and bill accurately. Of particular note are the company’s Forklift scale systems, which make it possible to lift, weigh, move and record a load in one operation.

As one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of weighing equipment and solutions, the company offer a broad range of high quality industrial products and weighing systems, all backed by a nationwide service team.

Visit stand 20C9 to find out about the latest weighing solutions applicable to the logistics industry, from Forklift Scales to Floor Scales, including our new ZM300 series weight indicators.

For further information please contact Avery Weigh-Tronix:  Tel: 0845 307 0314.

Email: info@awtxglobal.com   Web: www.averyweigh-tronix.com

HP has promised to show a wide range of innovative packs that have been digitally printed when it exhibits at Packaging Innovations later this month

The print technology giant will be exhibiting an array of digital print applications, including flexible packaging, folding cartons, labels and point of sale material in a ‘Digital Supermarket’ on its stand.

HP, which sells both Indigo and Scitex digital printers, will use the display to demonstrate how digital printing can differentiate products in an ever-more competitive retail environment.

Julia Cole, HP Indigo UK and Ireland marketing manager, said: “The products that will be on display are inspiring examples of how HP customers can help brands produce packaging that grabs the consumer’s attention, not only due to its vibrant print quality but with its creative marketing features too.”

In terms of equipment, HP will be using the show to promote the opportunities offered by its Scitex FB7600 flatbed press, which prints POS material, and its Indigo 20000 and 30000 presses, which launched at the Drupa show last year and are designed for flexible packaging and cartons, respectively.

Mark Rowland, regional business manager for greater Western Europe and the UK and Ireland for HP Scitex Industrial, said the Scitex technology helped printers “to react quickly to market opportunities while adding value to the packaging and services they provide”.

HP will be on stand B28 in the Print Innovations zone at the show, which takes place on 27-28 February at the NEC in Birmingham.

Consumer research specialist MMR will be showcasing its range of services at Packaging Innovations as well as participating in seminars

The company will highlight its view that consumer research should be carried out at the earliest stage of a project to “eliminate guesswork and avoiding flawed concepts causing unwanted surprises at launch”.

MMR’s associate director Stergios Bititsios will be at the show speaking at seminars including presentations with clients Asda and Warburtons. Bititsios will speak at two learnShops and at the EcoPack learnShop area. In addition, he will be on the Big Packaging Debate, which will focus on sustainability.

Digital imaging developer FFEI has announced that it will launch a new software programme to help “overcome the challenges of a labelling and packaging pre-press cycle” at the Packaging Innovations show

Aimed at design agencies, trade-shops and converters, FFEI said that, RealPro Toolkit “increases productivity, and standardises document structure from design concept to production ready files, regardless of the print process”.

According to Andy Cook, FFEI managing director, there is a high demand for a packaging pre-press solution that enables users to prepare native Adobe Illustrator files and PDF for production efficiently, and this was a key factor behind the development of RealPro Toolkit.

He added: “It’s not a secret that when it comes to packaging pre-press, Adobe Illustrator is the most popular application. However, many users face the same problems with proprietary file formats, PDF format conversion, lost layers, transparency issues – just to name a few.

“RealPro Toolkit addresses this need for a complete solution inside Adobe Illustrator, providing packaging agencies with the power to make the pre-press element of their workflow as easy to manage as possible, in a cost effective way.”

Packaging Innovations returns to the NEC this month, boasting a raft of ideas for the industry. Packaging News picks out some of the exhibitors under the spotlight plus a look at all the show features and seminars

If you’re planning to stroll around this year’s Packaging Innovations show the chances are that you’ll bump into a concept that’s brand new. At this year’s event, which runs on 27-28 February at Birmingham’s NEC, 63% of exhibitors will be showcasing new products or services.

With that in mind, there will be plenty of food for thought for the visitors. The latest equipment will be highlighted in PackTech, while Contract Pack while present the runners and riders in the vital outsourcing sector. Exhibitors in Ecopack will also be on hand to present the latest green developments, while the flagship Packaging Innovations zone will host the gamut of everything that’s new in materials and formats.

Moreover, the event is expanding, with the launch not only of a Labelling Innovations zone alongside the Print Innovations zone but also a new two-day conference, not to mention the ever-popular learnShops seminar theatres, the Big Packaging Debate, pack innovation clinics run by the Packaging Society and much more.

With all that in mind, PN has picked some of the highlights of what’s on offer – and don’t forget, there is much more information in the official Show Guide, produced by PN and distributed both with this issue and at Packaging Innovations.

PACKAGING INNOVATIONS

The Packaging Innovations zone will feature a wide range of new materials and formats to whet any packaging buyer’s appetite. On the finishing side, hot foil and embossing specialists Blockfoil(stand B45) will be highlighting a raft of eye-catching effects. In addition to its foil application expertise, the company manufactures brass, copper and magnesium foiling and embossing dies. Denny Bros (F54), meanwhile, will be showcasing its Fix-a-Form multi-page labels to support brands’ informational, advertising, PR, social seeding and experiential campaigns.

Those looking for interesting closures should head to Global One-Pak (H46), where the company will be launching the Infinity pump, a foaming pump aimed at the personal care market. A new range of bottles will also be on show to complement the pump. Intelligent Packaging Solutions (D46) is set to launch its TE-cap; a new tamper evident packaging solution designed for the ice-cream market. The development has been designed into injection moulded plastic pots.

In the luxury packaging market, Leo Luxe (C39) will be presenting its new concepts under the theme ‘Put your best look forward’; it will be showing a range of beautiful foldable rigid setup boxes, rigid boxes and luxury paper bags. Stölzle Glass Group (D43), meanwhile, will be demonstrating its range of high-end decorated glass bottles – a must-see for anyone in the perfume or spirits markets. Quadpack (stand C45) will be also showcasing a range of options for beauty brands in the premium and mass markets, including the latest offerings from manufacturers Yonwoo, Apollo and Brivaplast.

Elsewhere, Tinware Direct (A58) is back at Packaging Innovations presenting its range of bespoke tins. One highlight is Pressitin, a can that can be sealed with one push. And Visican (A34) will be showcasing its range of card and plastic containers. Innovations in the cardboard range include two piece tubes and telescopic tubes.

Of course, there’s much more to see – check out the Show Guide for a full run-down of all the exhibitors at Packaging Innovations and in all six zones of the event.

CONTRACT PACK

The Contract Pack zone has become a popular fixture in recent years at Packaging Innovations shows, offering the ideal place for brands to meet potential outsourcing partners. Hosted by theBritish Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (J29), the show brings together firms offering packing, fulfilment, warehousing, product manufacturing and blending, logistics and much more.

Among the exhibitors are major names in logistics such as DHL(G34) and Norbert Dentressangle (J28), medical packing specialists such as Chester Medical (H31) and Flexible Medical Packaging (G38), cosmetics specialists like Hampshire Cosmetics (H33) and Design Plus Packaging (J33) and many more.

PACKTECH, PRINT AND LABELLING

Recent leaps forward in print technology, not least the growth of digital print, are changing the way that packaging buyers think about their packaging. In the Labelling Innovations zone, Amberley Labels(B23) will be one of the companies showcasing the benefits of digital print. David Beeby, sales manager explains: “Now is a great time for buyers to re-evaluate the way they specify their print. Digital, print-on-demand, label and package printing opens up a range of options that can improve costs and reduce risk in the supply chain, in support of lean manufacturing initiatives, as well as presenting a host of new and innovative possibilities for brand marketing.”

Friedheim International (B18) will be promoting its extensive range of finishing processes and equipment for commercial print, digital print, packaging and converting, while mailing and packaging equipment supplier AMS (B22) will be launching the M1C Labelmaxer, a short-run desktop digital colour label printer; the latest addition to its product line. Digital print technology giant HP(B28) is another of the firms on hand to demonstrate the value of digital print for labels and packaging.

In the Print Innovations zone, Esko (D4) will be emphasising its Color Engine 12, which ensures accurate colour reproduction, and its integration with PantoneLIVE. Sharing Esko’s stand will be Roland DG, which will be showing its LEC-540 printer/cutter that is designed to create packaging prototypes.

Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS) (stand F11) is eyeing the short-run packaging arena with the Foliant Mercury 400SF laminator taking centre stage. The machine incorporates a feeder and sheet separator as well as a rising pile back separation stream feeder and a suction paper feed head. Bryan Godwyn, IFS Joint Managing Director, explains: “We have carefully created a portfolio of select solutions to service a growing market demand and are looking forward to showing commercial printers how we help them deliver new creative solutions to open up additional revenue streams.”

Elsewhere, Xeikon UK (E11) will be showing its range of digital print systems for labels, industrial and commercial printing whileXanté Europe (A28) will be promoting its own digital products.
The PackTech zone has become a hub for innovation in packing and filling technology in recent years and this year promises to be no different. Supplier of shrink wrapping equipment Yorkshire Packaging Systems (stand A16) is now in its 35th year of trading and will be exhibiting a number of systems at the show. On display will be its own British built low cost palletising product designed specifically to make it cost effective for low and medium speed packing operations where traditionally this end of the market was not catered for. The system is built around a modular design so can be upgraded as time goes on.
Bell Packaging (stand J43) is to unveil what it says is a completely new concept in the production of fibreboard boxes. Jetbox is supplied packed flat in over 200 standard sizes, whether round, square, rectangular and even triangular tubing.

The focal point for Enercon (stand B3) will be the Super Seal Touch induction cap sealing machine. The company says it is the industry’s first multi-language and multi-functional touch screen induction sealer. Designed for use in a wide range of packaging applications, from food and beverage, to pharmaceutical, agrochemical and household, the Super Seal Touch can be used as a stand-alone line-side unit or be fully integrated into a continuous filling and capping line, giving complete flexibility of operation.

Cerulean (C15), the packing and testing machinery maker, will be launching a new carton testing machine, the Newton Laboratory Carton Tester (LCT), which combines three quality control tests – crease strength and box-forming force, spring-back force and friction – in one instrument, eliminating the need for three separate machines. Advanced Dynamics (A13), meanwhile, will be demonstrating its feeding, counting and wrapping systems for flat products and labelling equipment that run the gamut from entry level to high specification machines for all products.

ECOPACK

Sustainability is a subject close to the hearts of all packaging specifiers and suppliers, and this year’s Ecopack will show the latest in packaging products that can improve a product’s use of resources.
Nicholl Food Packaging (E22), for instance, will be showing a variety of aluminium trays with enhanced convenience and a new ‘eco-friendly’ range from the company’s extended product portfolio. The Sherwood Press Group (J5) will be demonstrating Pura, which is the company’s sustainable packaging method combining innovation in 2D/3D design with carbon reduction and waste minimisation. And, among many others, Biobag UK (E21) will be showing its range of compostable and biodegradable liners, sacks and films.

Check out the Show Guide for more – and enjoy the show.

Learnshops and debates

A show regular is the Big Packaging Debate – a Question Time- style feature with a panel of experts discussing a key topic in the industry. This year’s panellists, including PN’s Josh Brooks, will examine the statement ‘Consumers don’t buy sustainable packaging’. Kicking off at 3.30pm on Wednesday 27 February, it will tackle questions around why we invest so much in making improvements in packaging recyclability, whether customers really notice, and whether they make conscious buying decisions based on a pack’s sustainability credentials.

Around the show, more than 50 learnShops will be running with leading speakers from the likes of Sunny Delight and Warburtons. In Packaging News’ learnShops theatre, Arla Foods’ Phil O’Driscoll will present the latest in milk bottle technology while brands including Little Dish and Taylors of Harrogate will also tell all on their approach to packaging.

Protective Packaging Specialists, Storopack UK will be demonstrating a range of innovative solutions for optimising efficiencies in warehouses & distribution centres at the IMHX 2013.

Exhibiting at the Show for the first time from the 19-22^nd March at Birmingham NEC, Storopack will be promoting its expertise in innovative protective packaging solutions & Working Comfort^® to optimise warehouse efficiencies during the packaging process. The Storopack stand 17R116 will showcase the latest Packaging Systems available with live demonstrations of air cushion and paper packaging integrations by Packaging Specialists who will be on hand to discuss individual in the box packaging requirements.

Also on display will be Storopack’s latest innovations in packaging machinery – PAPERplus^® GE & the FOAMplus^® Mini.  Their ergonomic designs create the desired volume and durability to absorb, cushion and protect heavy and fragile items during transportation and storage. Interactive demonstrations of these machines will be held during the show allowing visitors to the IMHX the chance to operate the equipment themselves.

With over 20 years experience in the protective packaging sector, Storopack supplies  on-demand solutions covering everything from single workstations through to the design and implementation of bespoke packaging lines. Integrated into a company’s intralogistic operation, the packaging systems can be manual, semi-or fully automated to meet individual requirements. Specialised application engineers of Storopack ensure that the entire work flow takes place in keeping with the economic and ergonomic principles known as Working Comfort^® in order to constantly improve the customers’ protective packaging process.

For further information please contact Emma Smith (emma.smith@storopack.com).

A packed line-up of industry experts and top global brands such as Gerber Juice Company, Warburtons, Burts Potato Chips, RECOUP, WRAP, Arla Foods and Payne will be sharing their packaging secrets in the learnShops programme at PACKAGING INNOVATIONS on 27 & 28 February 2013 at Birmingham’s NEC.  

The free-to-attend sessions will include Alli Lucy, Commercial Manager for the Gerber Juice Company discussing ‘Is the future bright for Sunny Delight? Alli’s talk will examine how the brand has managed to remain one of the most successful chilled drinks, with strong growth over the past three years. 

Brand differentiation in the highly competitive snacks market is no easy task, but that’s just what UK based artisan, premium crisp brand Burts Potato Chips has done. Leane Bramhall, the company’s Marketing Manager will discuss the role of packaging and design in delivering the brand’s message and its considerable success. 

When it comes to milk bottles, innovations in the category have been few and far between. In 2012, the poly bottle prompted a fresh round of innovation in the ‘light weight’ arena. Phil O’Driscoll, Head of Packaging Innovation at Arla Foods will tell the story of how a carbon zero ambition, became a packaging inspiration.

Thinking of launching your own product? Maleka Dattu founder of Merumaya Integrative Effective Skincare will share her knowledge for those starting out in business including; achieving on shelf standout, quality vs. cost, negotiating and convincing the supplier that you are the next best thing.

Dattu remarks: “Your packaging and pack design needs to romance the customer in more ways than ever. Stand out, not just on the shelf but on the pages of magazines, online, your website and in the customer’s home. You have just seconds to communicate - what the product is and why the customer needs it, your brand values, positioning and quality.”

With yet more brand packaging secrets to share, the experts from Parker Williams Design Ltd will use their work for Miracle-Gro to illustrate why graphic packaging design is so important to a brand.

Recoup is delivering two learnShops at the show. The first will discuss ‘Plastic packaging: from waste to resource- a new challenge’. This will include an outline by Steven Morgan, Technical Manger at RECOUP, of the new and ambitious plastic packaging recycling targets for 2013-2017. He will then share the invaluable data within the 2012 Recoup UK Household Plastics Collection Survey.  Attendees will get a clear understanding of where we are now with the latest plastics recovery and infrastructure data and the implications and opportunities for industry.

On day two, RECOUP will present an update of its latest works on recyclability with Packaging Technologist, Paul East from RECOUP taking attendees on ‘The plastic packaging recycling journey: real recyclability by design packaging.’ 

There will be yet more data to gather as Martin Dallas, Managing Director at Payne looks at ‘The role of packaging in making consumers’ lives easier’. Sharing Payne’s latest consumer research, delegates will learn what packaging is causing consumers problems and how packaging, by delivering functionality such as easy opening, can deliver real value to brands.

Stergios Bititsios, Associate Director; Packaging and Design, at MMR Research Worldwide will present his company’s work with supermarket giant ASDA, helping it with the re-launch of its premium food brand, Extra Special. 

Entitled ‘Revitalising a premium brand: the contribution of consumer-centric design research to sales uplift’. The session will discuss how involving consumers early in the design process saved time and money.

Later in the day, Bititsios will present alongside Emma Thomas, R&D Manager, Packaging at Warburtons. Together, they will discuss how engineering functional and emotional equities into packaging can encourage brand loyalty, and the many business benefits that arise when there is consonance between brand, product and packaging.

With the relentless growth of online shopping, Kevin Vyse, Managing Director of the Institute of Packaging Professionals, will look at the role of packaging in this shifting retail landscape, what the future holds and how to be prepared for these changes.

Also presenting during the two-day show will be WRAP, Tricorburn, Taylors of Harrogate, Landa, Blippar, HP Indigo, Boomerang Plastics, P4CK and Sun Branding Solutions, plus many more.

The independent seminars and case studies are carefully selected to provide inspiration and practical guidance on packaging and print issues. To see the full learnShop line-up please visit: www.easyFairs.com/PIUK  and click on ‘Free learnShops seminars’ within the menu bar. Visitors can also register to attend for free at the website. For further information contact the events’ teams on +44 (0)208 843 8800 or email Adrian.Harrow@easyFairs.com.

Cerulean Packing, a packing and testing machinery maker, has announced that it will be launching a new carton testing machine which combines three quality control tests in one instrument, at next month’s PackTech show

The Newton Laboratory Carton Tester (LCT) measures crease strength and box-forming force, spring-back force and friction, eliminating the need for three separate machines, according to Cerulean Packing.

In a statement, the firm said that the LCT can measure creases up to 590mm wide and is suitable for cartons made from corrugated and paper board up to 8mm thick.

The crease strength and box-forming force tests measure the torque required to bend a crease or form a box, providing an instantaneous curve that shows the torque for every degree of deflection. This is followed by the spring-back force test to check for crease recovery properties, according to the firm. The friction test, available as an optional extra, checks the slip resistance properties of the carton.

Visitors to Cerulean’s stand at Packtech will be able to see the new LCT in action and talk to representatives from the company in more detail about how it can help them detect potential production line problems before they happen.

A total of 63% of exhibitors will be launching new products and services at this year’s PI show

Visitors to the show, which opens its doors on 27 and 28 February 2013 in halls 18 & 19 at Birmingham’s NEC, will be able to see Neutroplast’s (stand A56) new Antony range of bottles, specifically designed to support Din20 pumps.

According to the firm, the new bottles were designed specifically for pharmaceutical products that require pump dosage systems and are physiologically adapted to the human hand, making them easier to use.

River Packaging (stand E47) will be unveiling a new range of ‘tamper evident’ jars, to complement the range of standard screw-top jars; all within the size range 150ml to 1750ml. The ‘tamper evident’ range incorporates an evident tear band, providing a clear indication that the jar may have been opened.

Printpack (stand G47) is launching its innovative printing technologies at the show: High Resolution Gravure (HRG) and 4SIGHT (Gravure Fixed Colour Palette). HRG offers sharper print quality than any other flexible packaging print process. 4SIGHT reduces the number of process colours required to create a wide ranging colour gamut.

Lubricants will be a key theme for Andpak (stand B2) which stocks a wide variety of suitable tubes from Semco and other suppliers and offers quickly turned round lubricants in cartridges and sachets from 2 grammes up to 800 grammes.

Jim Rowbotham, managing director at Andpak , said: “Last year was our first year at Packaging Innovations, we had a great show and we are back to try and continue where we left off”.

Esko said it will be showcasing its Color Engine 12 and its integration with PantoneLIVE at this year’s Packaging Innovations show

Color Engine 12 provides packaging and label professionals with an integrated solution for accurate colour reproduction. It builds on spectral data to define ink profiles and effectively manages spot colours, as well as creating and managing multi-ink profiles, crucial for colour accurate extended gamut printing and digital printing.

Paul Bates, Esko business manager for UK & Eire, said: “Esko has been involved with easyFairs’ packaging show since inception because of the high quality visitors it attracts, which has been essential in enabling us to create and foster rewarding long term partnerships. It also attracts all the different stakeholders within the packaging chain from concept to shelf, which is great for Esko as our products are used in all these areas.”

A packed line-up of industry experts and top global brands such as Gerber Juice Company, Warburtons, Burts Potato Chips, RECOUP, WRAP, Arla Foods and Payne will be sharing their packaging secrets in the learnShops programme at PACKAGING INNOVATIONS on 27 & 28 February 2013 at Birmingham’s NEC.

The free-to-attend sessions will include Alli Lucy, Commercial Manager for the Gerber Juice Company discussing ‘Is the future bright for Sunny Delight?’. Alli’s talk will examine how the brand has managed to remain one of the most successful chilled drinks, with strong growth over the past three years.

Brand differentiation in the highly competitive snacks market is no easy task, but that’s just what UK based artisan, premium crisp brand Burts Potato Chips has done. Leane Bramhall, the company’s Marketing Manager will discuss the role of packaging and design in delivering the brand’s message and its considerable success.

When it comes to milk bottles, innovations in the category have been few and far between. In 2012, the poly bottle prompted a fresh round of innovation in the ‘light weight’ arena. Phil O’Driscoll, Head of Packaging Innovation at Arla Foods will tell the story of how a carbon zero ambition, became a packaging inspiration.

Thinking of launching your own product? Maleka Dattu founder of Merumaya Integrative Effective Skincare will share her knowledge for those starting out in business including; achieving on shelf standout, quality vs. cost, negotiating and convincing the supplier that you are the next best thing.

Dattu remarks: “Your packaging and pack design needs to romance the customer in more ways than ever. Stand out, not just on the shelf but on the pages of magazines, online, your website and in the customer’s home. You have just seconds to communicate - what the product is and why the customer needs it, your brand values, positioning and quality.”

With yet more brand packaging secrets to share, the experts from Parker Williams Design Ltd will use their work for Miracle-Gro to illustrate why graphic packaging design is so important to a brand.

Recoup is delivering two learnShops at the show. The first will discuss ‘Plastic packaging: from waste to resource- a new challenge’. This will include an outline by Steven Morgan, Technical Manger at RECOUP, of the new and ambitious plastic packaging recycling targets for 2013-2017. He will then share the invaluable data within the 2012 Recoup UK Household Plastics Collection Survey.  Attendees will get a clear understanding of where we are now with the latest plastics recovery and infrastructure data and the implications and opportunities for industry.

On day two, RECOUP will present an update of its latest works on recyclability with Packaging Technologist, Paul East from RECOUP taking attendees on ‘The plastic packaging recycling journey: real recyclability by design packaging.’

There will be yet more data to gather as Martin Dallas, Managing Director at Payne looks at ‘The role of packaging in making consumers’ lives easier’. Sharing Payne’s latest consumer research, delegates will learn what packaging is causing consumers problems and how packaging, by delivering functionality such as easy opening, can deliver real value to brands.

Stergios Bititsios, Associate Director; Packaging and Design, at MMR Research Worldwide will present his company’s work with supermarket giant ASDA, helping it with the re-launch of its premium food brand, Extra Special.

Entitled ‘Revitalising a premium brand: the contribution of consumer-centric design research to sales uplift’. The session will discuss how involving consumers early in the design process saved time and money.

Later in the day, Bititsios will present alongside Emma Thomas, R&D Manager, Packaging at Warburtons. Together, they will discuss how engineering functional and emotional equities into packaging can encourage brand loyalty, and the many business benefits that arise when there is consonance between brand, product and packaging.

With the relentless growth of online shopping, Kevin Vyse, Managing Director of the Institute of Packaging Professionals, will look at the role of packaging in this shifting retail landscape, what the future holds and how to be prepared for these changes.

Also presenting during the two-day show will be WRAP, Tricorburn, Taylors of Harrogate, Landa, Blippar, HP Indigo, Boomerang Plastics, P4CK and Sun Branding Solutions, plus many more.

The independent seminars and case studies are carefully selected to provide inspiration and practical guidance on packaging and print issues. To see the full learnShop line-up please visit: www.easyFairs.com/PIUK  and click on ‘Free learnShops seminars’ within the menu bar. Visitors can also register to attend for free at the website. For further information contact the events’ teams on +44 (0)208 843 8800 or email Adrian.Harrow@easyFairs.com.

With 63% of exhibitors launching new products and services at the show, PACKAGING INNOVATIONS 2013 is set to play host to the most important new developments in packaging design, materials and technology, with many making their global or UK debut.

The show which opens its doors on 27 & 28 February 2013 in halls 18 & 19 at Birmingham’s NEC, will span across six areas: PACKAGING INNOVATIONS, ECOPACK, CONTRACT PACK, PACKTECH, PRINT INNOVATIONS and new for 2013 LABELLING INNOVATIONS, offering packaging professionals a wealth of interactive and informative features to give inspiration and new ideas to take back to the workplace.

Exhibition Launches

Here’s a glimpse of some of the exhibitor launches:

AB Packaging Group (stand E26) is launching its much anticipated paper bag for life. Mike Gibson, UK Sales Manager at AB Packaging Group, remarks: “We are delighted to work in partnership with ECOPACK to launch our new innovative 100% biodegradable carrier bag. We have put two years R&D into this product and we know the high street and supermarkets will be very excited when we launch in February.”

Nicholl Food Packaging (stand E22) is launching a number of new lines into its portfolio, which includes smoothwall and wrinklewall foil trays, compostable and ovenable board variants and lidding films.

Enercon Industries (stand B3) is exhibiting the industry’s first multi-language and multi-functional touch screen induction sealer. Designed for use in a wide range of packaging applications, from food and beverage, to pharmaceutical, agrochemical and household, the Super Seal™ Touch can be used as a stand-alone line-side unit or be fully integrated into a continuous filling and capping line.

Blockfoil (stand B45) will be showcasing its latest work in hot foiling and embossing. Peter Starling, Director at Blockfoil, says: “The show is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase how blockfoiling can make a carton stand out from the crowd. It is a great event for meeting up with brand managers and designers as well as spending time with our customers. We are really looking forward to exhibiting next February.”

Show Features

This year’s show will see the launch of easyFairs’ packaging conference, with keynotes from Unilever, Procter & Gamble, SABMiller, Iconoculture and Gu. The high-level yet highly practical two-day conference running throughout PACKAGING INNOVATIONS, will feature experts from Kingfisher, Nestlé, Alliance Boots, Mintel, Space NK, the NHS, Waitrose, Wm Morrison Supermarkets, British American Tobacco, Heineken International and DHL. These major names will draw on their own experiences and insights as they address the top packaging concerns for senior strategists and decision makers working in the UK today.

Also new for this year is the inaugural BIG Print Debate with top print decision makers from Unilever and Waitrose taking part. Plus a live edition of PACKCHAT the hugely popular twitter forum, which will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 27 February in the Social Media Lounge. Here show attendees will debate with the ‘twittersphere’ regarding a critical packaging issue.

The brand new features will run alongside show favourites. These include 50 content-rich learnShop seminars, including major brands and leading speakers from Sunny Delight, Landa, Warburtons and Arla Foods.

Expert professionals, from The Packaging Society, will provide one-to-one advice on any area of your product’s lifecycle at the Packaging Consultancy Clinic. There will also be a return of the Lions’ Lair, where a number of the show’s exhibitors pitch their latest innovations to a panel of experts, in a bid for their development to be crowned best of show.

The BIG Packaging Debate, inspired by BBC Question Time, will see a panel of packaging professionals debate the topic: ‘Consumers don’t buy Sustainable Packaging’. The debate will take place on the International Brand Summit at 15:30, 27 February.

For further information on visiting and to register for the event visit www.easyFairs.com/PIUK or, if you are interested in exhibiting, please contact Marc Benoit on +44 (0)20 8843 8821 or email marc.benoit@easyFairs.com.

Consumers don’t buy sustainable packaging’ is the hot topic being discussed by major names such as the Co-op and MMR during The BIG Packaging Debate, at PACKAGING INNOVATIONS on 27 February 2013.
The panel for the BBC Question Time-inspired session, which last year attracted a 100-strong audience, will include Iain Ferguson, Environment Manager at The Co-operative Group, who says:  “There was a lot of debate and coverage in the packaging press and the wider media on sustainable packaging last year, and I’m really keen to hear what the other panellists have to say.  I’m sure that there will be many interesting questions and a lively debate.  We believe that the most important impact that packaging can have is to reduce food waste.”

He adds: “We are committed to help our customers to waste less food, either by using the packaging to extend the life of food, or by using the packaging as a medium to clearly communicate storage information – for example, our new ‘Keep Me’ labelling.  We have also been active supporters of WRAP’s Love Food Hate Waste campaign, running adverts on our extensive network of 15,000 till screens in all our 2,800 stores across the UK.”

Fellow panellist Stergios Bititsios, Associate Director-Packaging and Design at MMR Research Worldwide, is someone many world-leading brands turn to when they want to gauge the mood of consumers. He thinks shoppers may be tuned in to the environment, but they’re not necessarily ‘turned on’ by it enough to switch their buying behaviour: “From our vast experience in speaking directly with consumers on a regular basis, and as a result of our own independent research, we have found that consumers’ choices and purchase decisions are not primarily influenced by packs’ ‘green’ credentials. Although environmental factors are on consumers’ radars nowadays, they remain midfield drivers as shoppers are not yet prepared to trade other values (such as convenience) off for eco-friendliness.”

Research by easyFairs, the organisers of PACKAGING INNOVATIONS, suggests many brand managers might agree. Only 3 per cent of the 500 leading UK branding, packaging and marketing managers questioned believe a consumer’s buying behaviour is significantly influenced by the fact an item has environmentally friendly packaging. However this could be because consumers assume most packaging is already ‘green’, as 58 per cent of those studied also said environmental issues have become so mainstream that consumers now automatically assume packaging will be environmentally friendly.
Research aside, Kevin Vyse, Managing Director of The Institute of Packaging Professionals UK, who is chairing the debate, believes confusion and costs are also factors influencing consumer behaviour: “With ever increasing pressures on domestic budgets, the consumer is forced to make some stark choices. Sustainable packaging requires, in the short term, additional cost and virgin polymer material is still ridiculously good value. Asking the consumer to both understand and pay for sustainable packaging is, I fear, an uphill struggle amidst a fog of information and definitions. Maybe if packaging was championed as a resource after its primary use (and it was valued as such) then sustainability might just be a term people would start to understand.”

The BIG Packaging Debate panel, which also features Josh Brooks, Brand Director of Packaging News, will pick their way through the statistics and share their experiences as they explore what it all means for brand owners, retailers and the many companies that make up the packaging supply chain.

The debate will take place within the International Brand Summit area of the show, at 15:30 on 27 February. A drinks reception for all those visiting PACKAGING INNOVATIONS, and its co-located shows, is being held after The BIG Packaging Debate, providing an opportunity to meet the panellists and continue the discussion with colleagues, new contacts, and exhibitors.

PACKAGING INNOVATIONS takes place on 27 & 28 February 2013 at Brimingham’s NEC and is co-located with five other related shows: ECOPACK, CONTRACT PACK, PACKTECH, PRINT INNOVATIONS and, new for 2013, LABELLING INNOVATIONS. The show also features an impressive line-up of speakers in the free learnShops seminar theatres as well as interactive workshops and advice clinics.

For more information on any aspect of the show and to register for free entry to the exhibition, visit www.easyFairs.com/PIUK. For further information about exhibiting, please contact Marc Benoit on +44 (0)20 8843 8821 or email marc.benoit@easyFairs.com.

The Access Group will be promoting what it believes is a unique product for process manufacturers on stand 18P20 at IMHX.

This solution enables manufacturers dealing with formulations to build to specific gravities, weights, volumes or viscosities and, in addition, it offers automated safety data sheet generation to reduce the time and cost of the REACH phase 2 regulations that will shortly come into force.

Hart Door Systems will be launching an exciting new variant of its Speedor range of automatic, high-speed, industrial doors on stand 19H134 at the exhibition.

Details of the new model are still under wraps but the Newcastle-based company will also be promoting its entire range of industrial doors that are specifically engineered for use in high-traffic situations.

Dematic has provided Tesco with an automated materials picking and handling system for the UK Largest Retailer’s 120,000 square foot grocery fulfilment centre located in Enfield. It went live in January 2012 and the system enables Tesco to fulfil an increased amount of customer orders from one location for their grocery home delivery business.

The Enfield centre is Tesco’s fourth ‘Dotcom Store’, which is effectively a warehouse dedicated to delivering orders to customers’ homes that have been placed online.
The Dotcom stores replace Tesco’s previous operation in some particularly busy areas where employees pick online orders straight from the shelves of its retail stores.
Tesco has transferred picking and delivery of online orders from several of its normal stores into the Enfield dotcom store.

The fifth Tesco Dotcom facility delivered by Dematic will go live in early 2013 in Crawley. Building of a sixth has started, which will incorporate further automation technologies from Dematic.

The Enfield integrated installation features zone routing picking for ambient and chilled goods and separate ambient and a chilled Dematic Multishuttle tote order consolidation buffers.

Dematic’s zone picking system auto-launches customer order totes directly to numerous pick zones as required within the ambient area and separate totes across zones in the chilled area.

Tesco staff pick grocery, produce and bakery goods into the order totes according to instructions received via wrist mounted Radio Data Terminals. Once scanned, totes are  sent to the next relevant zone via conveyor. Complete totes are then routed to the Multishuttle consolidation buffers.

Two separate Dematic Multishuttle Consolidation Buffer units hold completed customer order totes for both Ambient and chilled  home delivery orders. Once a full van has been consolidated, the totes are sent in order sequence to one of the centre’s van loading bays for operators to load the vans.

All of the integrated system’s operations are controlled by the Dematic Warehouse Management System and Dematic also carry out the order slotting for all of the products in all of the zones.

“With each of our stores we aim to move forward the model in terms of accuracy and quality for the customers as well as productivity for Tesco” explained Tesco’s operations development manager, David Burroughs.

He added: “Having gone out to tender for mechanisation suppliers we picked Dematic because we felt their system would enable us to achieve our objectives of faster picking, accuracy and reliability enabling us to give our customers excellent standards of service whilst still providing a profitable model for Tesco. This system will help us reduce our running costs and offer more delivery slots to customers from earlier in the day. We wanted to ensure we could get customers orders picked, vans loaded and out on time with the freshest possible produce. The system also gives the accuracy we need to ensure the highest possible service levels”

Tesco was particularly keen on Dematic’s Multishuttle, according to David Burroughs. He said: “Dematic’s Multishuttle offers a number of advantages over similar systems, particularly its speed for loading our vans and its ability to swap individual shuttles, which gives us a tremendous advantage in avoiding downtime. Furthermore, the height of the Multishuttle enables us to make good use of space
that would otherwise be dead air space in the warehouse to minimise its footprint.”

Dematic’s Sales Project Manager Shane Faulkner adds that Dematic’s complete system enables Tesco to pick and deliver within the concentrated floor space of the single Enfield Dotcom store which removes dotcom pickers in many of the surrounding Tesco stores. “This is an advantage in areas where rents are high and also by automating its online order picking process Tesco can increase volumes while at the same time maintaining the high service levels that are essential with home delivery.”

Goplasticpallets.com will unveil its HyRack® pallet for the first time on stand 19K127 at IMHX 2013 at the NEC Birmingham, March 19-22.

Jim Hardisty, Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com, said: “This year we gained sole UK distribution rights to the popular HyRack® pallet, when IPS acquired the moulds and machinery. We have a great partnership with Belgian pallet manufacturer IPS and can rely on them to produce exceptional quality products as their technical knowledge and injection moulding expertise is second to none. The HyRack® pallet is a welcome addition to our range of heavy duty plastic pallets.”

Well known for its enhanced racking performance and durability, the HyRack® pallet is a reliable workhorse; it has a static load capacity of 7,000kg, a dynamic load capacity of 2,000kg and is capable of supporting up to 1,000kg in beam and edge racking systems, making it the racking pallet of choice for a diverse range of industries.

Moulded as a single piece measuring 1200mm (L) x 1000mm (W), the HyRack® pallet’s open flow-through top deck has no internal cavities where mould, dust and other contaminants can collect and is easily cleaned. The design also incorporates lead in ramps on the internal edge of the base runners, rounded block sections, optional edge lips and anti-skid plugs and can be personalised through moulded-in logos or screen printing.

The pallet’s rigid base offers easy four-way access for fork lifts and pallet trucks and due to its rigidity and solid structure it is well suited to conveyor systems and other automated handling operations.

The HyRack® pallet is available from stock as a six runner cruciform base version in recycled black and will feature on the stand with a selection of other products including pool pallets, export pallets and a variety of different plastic containers from the GoBox range.

The Belgian automation company Egemin Automation has received the international AGV-S Award from the International Logistics Center at the internal CeMAT Asia logistics show in Shanghai. The ILC is an independent organisation in the field of internal logistical processes. With the AGV-S Award it rewards achievement, innovation and excellence in the field of Automated Guided Vehicle Systems. These are fully automatic transport systems using unmanned vehicles.

The international jury was led by Prof. Dr Lindu Zhao of the Southeast University in Nanjing and Prof. Dr Lothar Schulze of the German Leibniz University in Hannover.

Egemin received the Award for its international approach, dedication to customers, spotless system integrations and special contribution to technological standards for automated guided vehicle. Customers throughout the world use Egemin’s AGV systems for internal goods transport in their warehouses, manufacturing plants and distribution environments.

The AGV-S Award was awarded for the third time. Previous winners have included the German company Sick, a partner of Egemin for the delivery of safety and navigation sensors on AGV vehicles.

An investigation into the production of beef burgers containing horse meat is focusing on imported ingredients, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said last night.

A study by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI)found the presence of horse DNA in more than a third of the beef burger products it tested.

They were on sale in Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Aldi and Iceland. It found pig DNA in 85 per cent of burgers tested.

Of the 27 frozen beef burger products analysed, 10, or 37 per cent, tested positive for horse DNA. The products which tested positive for horse DNA were produced by two Irish plants, Liffey Meats in Cavan and the ABP-owned Silvercrest Foods, and by UK company Dalepak Hambleton, owned by ABP UK.

Nine of the 10 samples contained low traces of horse DNA, less than 0.1 per cent in some cases. But the level of DNA in a Tesco Everyday Beef Burger indicated that horse meat accounted for 29.1 per cent of the meat content. The product from Silvercrest Foods contained 63 per cent beef.

The nine samples containing low levels of horse meat were taken from: Aldi’s Oakhurst Beef Burgers; Dunnes Stores’ St Bernard Beef Burgers and Flamehouse Chargrilled Quarter Pounders; Lidl’s Moordale Beef Burgers, Moordale Ultimate Beef Burgers and Moordale Quarter Pounders; Tesco’s Beef Quarter Pounders; and Iceland Quarter Pounders (twice).

Mr Coveney said it was “totally unacceptable” almost a third of the meat content of a burger could be horse meat. He said the Department of Agriculture had taken new samples from the Silvercrest plant and results would be available within 48 hours.The FSAI said retailers were removing all implicated batches from sale yesterday.

Molson Coors UK & Ireland has bought the Franciscan Well craft beer brand and microbrewery in Cork City and is developing a new craft brewery, also in Cork.

Briggs Equipment, the UK’s fastest growing forklift supply and service company, will be offering a hint of things to come at the forthcoming IMHX 2013 exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.

With more than 1,000 sq m of display space, both inside and outside the main exhibition hall, Briggs will be one of the biggest exhibitors at the event – a highlight of the materials handling calendar.

As well as showing off some of the latest products from leading manufacturers, the company will also showcase its commitment to combining the latest technology with human expertise to provide bespoke solutions for customers across all industry sectors.

Richard Close, Briggs’s Chief Executive, explained:  “Developments over the last 12 months reflect the aspiration of Briggs which is to invest, grow and expand whilst building on our platform of success. IMHX offers the opportunity to present our vision to transform the industry through customer led solutions.”

Although the exact details of Briggs’s stands at the show are still a closely guarded secret, Richard is confident they will prove both inspiring and informative.

“With a futuristic theme, our displays will reflect the fact that we are committed to using the very latest technology in a way that complements very human values, including a passion for service excellence.”

Two Briggs stands can be found in Hall 20 and a third in hall 17 (skills zone) the fourth will be outside the main exhibition hall. All four will be fully interactive and visitors have the chance to win a number of hi-tech prizes.

Two exciting and innovative products new to the UK market, the LogiMat and AutoCruiser from SSI Schaefer, will be on show at this year’s IMHX.

The LogiMat, a goods-to-man picking, space-saving, vertical lift storage system ideal for small parts storage offering a high order picking performance, will be part of an interactive live demonstration of parts picking, transport and assembly for visitors at the show.

An alternative to storing and order picking small parts in a compact and ergonomic way, the LogiMat occupies only a small footprint providing 90% storage space saving in comparison to conventional static solutions.

Not only does it provide reduced energy costs, its modular design allows the system to be fully adjustable to individual requirements providing numerous design options with the flexibility to extend in the future.

The design can be compared to an oversized drawer cabinet with two stacks of trays (one in the front and one in the rear) and between those stacks operates a lift, which extracts individual trays as required and delivers them to the service window.

With minimized order picking errors through its computer-controlled processes, Schaefer’s LogiSoft software can also be combined or integrated into an existing warehouse management system with ease.

The Schaefer Auto Cruiser (SAC) unveiled in Europe during 2011 will be on show at IMHX for the first time in the UK. This remarkable and innovative system specifically designed to bridge the gap between forklift transport and traditional conveyor technology is an extremely competitive and flexible transport system for low to average throughput. Perfect for industrial manufacturing and assembly operations, it is suitable for both short and long distance transport and designed to hold loads of 1g up to 30 kg – however, the system can be configured for heavier loads if needed.

All components, including scales, rails, loading stations, curves, switches and turn tables are supplied pre-installed, therefore allowing the SAC to be put into operation immediately – additional infrastructure is not required, a simple electricity socket is sufficient.

SSI Schaefer’s stand will be packed full of other innovative solutions designed to meet and exceed the storage, order picking and handling demands of today’s competitive  logistics industry.

Traditional solution routes will stand alongside cutting edge automated systems, both offering rapid returns on investment, all manufactured within the SSI Schaefer Group.